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Nathan Borton: Each Step
ByThe album offers an enjoyable tour through the straight-ahead tradition. There are three standards early on: Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things," Harry Warren's "The More I See You" and John Lewis' "Milestones." These show the virtuosity of Borton's solo lines. His lyricism shines in the ballade part of "The More I See You." In the melody of "Milestones," Diego Rivera creates a beautiful blend with the guitar on the tenor saxophone. The masterful rhythm section of Rodney Whitaker on bass and Keith Hall on drums swings hard.
In addition to the standards, Each Step includes four of Borton's original compositions and one piece by his mentor and album producer, Randy Napoleon. Borton's "What Now?" is refreshing after the three standards immediately preceding it. This piece is also distinctive for its faster sections with intriguing harmonies and brilliant piano lines by Xavier Davis. Jazz guitar traditions continue in Napoleon's "These Are the Things We Throw Away." Borton's "Change," which follows, brings new colors with bass trombonist Chris Glassman playing a lyrical solo. Next Borton pays another homage to tradition with Grant Green's "Grantstand." The album's closer, Borton's "Grant's Groove," has a more modern vibe and creates a powerful conclusion. With Each Step, Borton stays true to jazz guitar traditions while building his own sound step by step.
Track Listing
Each Step; Just One of Those Things; The More I See You; Milestones; What Now?; These Are the Things We Throw Away; Change; Grantstand; Grant's Groove.
Personnel
Nathan Borton
guitarXavier Davis
pianoRodney Whitaker
bassKeith Hall
drumsDiego Rivera
saxophoneChris Glassman
tromboneAlbum information
Title: Each Step | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: OA2 Records
Comments
Tags
Nathan Borton
Album Review
Jane Kozhevnikova
Each Step
OA2 Records
Wes Montgomery
Grant Green
Kenny Burrell
Diego Rivera
Rodney Whitaker
Keith Hall
Randy Napoleon
Xavier Davis
Chris Glassman