Larry Martus: Transcendence (2006)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: April 26, 2006

Solo jazz guitar from a straight-ahead perspective can work wonders for the soul. As Larry Martus interprets his program of original compositions, you can feel the smooth vibrations sinking in. Transcendence, the guitarist's debut album, finds him journeying through the blues, moody swing, and traces of classical Spanish guitar.

In Martus' hands, the guitar is a tool for expressing his innermost feelings and enhancing thoughts with appropriate colors all around. On "Window of Your Soul, which summarizes the concept, the guitarist stretches leisurely with a dream sequence that combines mellow harmony with a lucid theme.

His lovely "Song for Christine flows gently with ethereal phrases, while "Soliloquy slows the program for a perceptive pause in the thought stream. Ins and Outs provides musical scenery with spontaneous twists and turns, while "Prizm emphasizes rich harmony filled with many colors. "Minor Details evokes a sad countenance, while "All Things in Time proves uplifting in its thematic message.

As composer, Martus loves to express the kind of dreams that stem from the heart. As guitarist, he combines a fluid technique with cogent soundscapes for a satisfying performance.

Track Listing: Until Then; Extensions; Quixotism; Adagio; Window of Your Soul; And So It Goes; Song for Christine; Ins and Outs; Soliloquy; Minor Details; Prizm; It�s Complicated; All Things In Time; I Heard That About You.

Personnel: Larry Martus: guitar.

Record Label: Omnitonic Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream