Records by Charlie Byrd Lenny Breau George Van Eps Laurindo Almieda and Joe Pass have set a very high standard for solo fingerstyle jazz guitar and it is from this vantage point that the solo flights of Taylor Crook Nichols Baker and Mann take wing. Each player has developed a distinctly different approach to interpreting and writing jazz for solo guitar by listening intently to numerous other musicians and composers - pianists horn players bassists and singers as well as many guitarists in jazz blues and other styles. What distinguishes them from more traditional jazz guitarists (who more or less function in a linear voice in an ensemble) is their abilityto play (or imply) all aspects of music - rhythm chords bass and melody - without accompaniment. Their performances not only demonstrate their technical brilliance and imagination they are a testament to the enduring power and beauty of jazz guitar in its current evolution as a major instrumental force in American music.Martin Taylor: Shining Stockings My funny Valentine Just Squeeze Me Tommy Crook: Melody Of Birdland All The Things You Are It Had To Be You Wave Jim Nichols: Can't Take That Away From Me East Of The Sun Taste Of Honey Here's That Rainy Day Duck Baker: Back Home in Indiana Forty Ton Parachute Out Of The Past Seven Point One Woody Mann: Mr. Guitar Uptown Tales Gypsy Girl Cat Burglar
