Jeff Barone - Open Up (2008)

With ample chops and a firm grasp on tradition, New York-based jazz guitarist Jeff Barone proves a capable leader, bringing fresh ideas to the straight-ahead realm. Open Up showcases the Syracuse native's relaxed approach on a hard-swinging set of standards and originals. Barone displays strong compositional skills on the up-tempo modal opener "Duban's Groove," the Brazilian flavored "New Samba," the funky title track and the lovely ballad "Jenna's Song," one of two duets with guest guitarist Jack Wilkins. The guitarist has a penchant for writing catchy melodic phrases and solo-friendly harmonic progressions. A stand-out moment on the disc is Barone's solo guitar interpretation of the Rodgers and Hart staple "My Funny Valentine." The free-flowing arrangement is reminiscent of how the late Joe Pass would exhaust the instrument's possibilities while maintaining a swinging directive.

Tracklist:

01. Duban's Groove
02. New Samba
03. If You Go Away
04. Open Up
05. Jenna's Song
06. Falling in Love with Love
07. Here's That Rainy Day
08. I Hear Music
09. My Funny Valentine
10. Toys
11. Quiet Now
12. Falling in Love with Love