CD/LP/Track Review
Askold Buk: Askold Buk
Jim Santella
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.Guitarist Askold Buk writes music to enjoy, music with a back beat, music that combines obvious references to country & western, pop/rock and smooth jazz.
With a clear, forceful guitar sound and crisp articulation, Buk lays down an enjoyable session drawn from a lifetime of paying attention to the kinds of music that have been recognized as popular. His "Wondering," a waltz that changes rhythm several times, captures your imagination with its air of mystery. An open, freewheeling trumpet solo with echo, followed by Buk’s fiery blues-laced electric guitar blast, jar the listener’s emotions. The leader follows that up with "A.F.B.," a New Orleans shuffle that features Greg Witchel’s blues harp. Buk adds a country & western flavor, while pianist Charlie Giordano pounds out a barrelhouse stomp that everyone can appreciate. The program finishes with Buk’s ballad "Downtime," which represents most of the artist’s eponymous session. With memorable pop/rock melodies, a driving back beat, and enjoyable "feel good" music, Askold Buk’s latest project smokes.
Track Listing: Bella Luna; Iguana; Volcano; Without You; Big Slinky; One More Bar; Picklehead; Wondering; A.F.B.; Downtime.Collective
Personnel: Askold Buk- guitars; Gene Eames- electric bass; Brian Shanley- drums; Ken Fradley- trumpet; Charlie Giordano- piano, keyboards; Jack Waltrip- tenor saxophone; Bob Sherwin- alto saxophone; Greg Witchel- harmonica.
Record Label: TOKA Records | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
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