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Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet: Feelin' It
ByAs 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 isat two universities. For tangible proof, simply listen to "I Loves You, Porgy," on which Witzel plays unaccompanied lead and rhythm guitaror 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.
Track Listing
Feelin’ It; Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise; Norwegian Wood; Beyond Beijing; I Loves You, Porgy; If Ever I Would Leave You; Ms. Information; The Old Country.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Feelin' It | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Feelin' It
Self Produced
Jim Witzel
Brian Ho
Jason Lewis
Dann Zinn
Nat Adderley