Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet: Feelin' It

Feelin' It, guitarist Jim Witzel's second album as leader, features his trio (Brian Ho, Hammond B3 organ; Jason Lewis, drums) on five of eight numbers, with tenor saxophonist Dann Zinn added on a trio of Witzel's original compositions. Although Witzel has recorded only twice in the past thirty years, that is basically because his successful career as an educator and in- demand sideman and leader has kept him from returning to the studio.

As Witzel shows on Feelin' It, it is certainly not because his chops are not up to the task. On the contrary, he plays like the professor of Jazz Guitar Studies he is—at two universities. For tangible proof, simply listen to "I Loves You, Porgy," on which Witzel plays unaccompanied lead and rhythm guitar—or a swinging version of Lerner and Loewe's "If Ever I Would Leave You," from the Broadway smash Camelot.

Ho shines on that one, as he does throughout, soloing assertively but remaining agreeably subdued whenever Witzel or Zinn have the spotlight. While Witzel's themes are serviceable enough, it is the other numbers that lend the session much of its warmth and charisma. Besides those named, they include "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" (taken at an uncommonly brisk tempo), Lennon and McCartney's "Norwegian Wood" and Nat Adderley's tasteful groover, "The Old Country."

Thanks in large measure to the trio's expertise and empathy, Feelin' It is a well-above-average session, not to mention a splendid way to end a thirty-year recording hiatus.