Jack Jezzro: Jazz Elegance

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: June 1, 2001

Rich, round, restrained and refined, guitarist Jack Jezzro's latest album favors elegant taste; and yet, he keeps the session quite simple. Jazz standards are the solution for many situations. His cohesive trio makes them instantly recognizable, while applying a soft touch to all aspects. Wire brushes, lyrical, upright bass, and vocal-like, fingerstyle guitar melodies grace the album across the board. A few original tunes add an even fresher quality. "Rose Waltz," "Christina," "Jake's Tune" and "Jeanette's Day" are dedications to the guitarist's family, and serve as gentle reminders of his intentions. "My Funny Valentine" and "'Round Midnight" make a particularly emphatic impression. For those, Jezzro swings with heartfelt emotion and a looser sense of rhythm. Like a shot in the arm, Jack Jezzro's latest album rekindles a listener's affair with the American Popular Song.

Track Listing: Night and Day; No Greater Love; Christina; Dancing on the Ceiling; My Foolish Heart; Jake's Tune; Who Can I Turn To?; My Funny Valentine; Rose Waltz; Stella By Starlight; Prelude to a Kiss; Jeanette's Day; 'Round Midnight.

Personnel: Jack Jezzro- guitar; Jim Ferguson- bass; Jim White- drums.

Record Label: Hillsboro
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream