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Brian Hughes: One 2 One

By AAJ Staff
October 1, 1998
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Strange story here, I was sitting in my hotel room in Toronto last week (August ) reading my Mac User, not paying too much attention to the wails from my daughter coming from the bathroom....bathday on holiday?) Suddenly my musical tastebuds were awakened by a programme on TV from a local jazz festival. As if hit by a mule, I sat up to take notice of a new name to me, namely Brian Hughes.

The man sounds like his self confessed influences George Benson (during his colaboration with Brother Jack McDuff days) Pat Metheny and Wes Montogomery, all rolled into a fresh bun and lettuce with lashings of ketchup on the side.

One 2 One is Brian's latest album release and is a wonderful album of strong jazz guitar. No nonsense here, just melodic tunes to sit back and enjoy. Another album to record for my car, yes, it has that classic sound of slow to mid tempo grooves which doesn't need any effort to listen to repeatedly.

Joining Brian on the album of fine melodies are Mark Kelso, Les Portelli, Collin Barrat, which are the centrepiece of a very tight rhythm section. An accomplished horn and percussion section add the fullness to this rich vintage delivery.

The hammond groove is something which is not exploited too much in today's modern jazz, unless it a predominently a Barabara Dennerlain or Jimmy Smith album, but Brian introduces this lost giant of the vinyl years to great effect on the mid tempo opener 'Stringbean'.

The album flows from smooth jazz to bossa nova with the wonderful 'Postcard from Brazil' and 'Nothing in the world' which are fast paced rush-hour cuts in the Tom Scott mould.

The album's dream cuts are certainly ones which Brian delivers in fine style similarly to Larry Carlton on the new Fourplay 4 setnamely 'Here we go' , 'While the world turns slowly' and the beautiful 'Three graces'.

If you haven't heard of Canadian Brian Hughes, get down to your nearest HMV, Sam's or Tower and pick up this jewel. You wont be dissappointed. Encore ...

Jazz Site Rating -10 outa 10

Personnel

Brian Hughes

Album information

Title: One 2 One | Year Released: 1998 | Record Label: Sylvan House Music

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