Rick Stone: Samba de Novembro

Guitarist Rick Stone brings an interesting history to this recording. A transplanted Ohioan, Stone has been a part of the New York jazz scene for some years now, and his debut recording, Far East with Kenny Barron, was released in '91. It has been a long interval getting back to the recording studio. Rick Stone explains that his other obligations to family, running a studio, writing for guitar publications—and, most importantly, patiently waiting to find and select the music that he wanted for this album—all contributed to the delay.

The resulting effort is a well constructed set of twelve songs that are equal parts standards, jazz standards and originals. The fine trio that is supporting the guitarist consists of Tardo Hammer, one of the most active pianists in the New York area; bassist Yosuke Inoue, who has contributed an attractive tune; and Matt Wilson, the man everyone wants on the Pots and Pans these days.

I hear quite a bit of Jim Hall mannerisms in Rick Stone's playing, and that is not meant as a negative comment. He can swing a tune like "My Romance," which starts as a reflective solo, and then open with the addition of the bass/drums or play ballads lyrically like "I Can't Get Started" or the traditional "Careless Love." Stone also shows a nice touch on his original tunes, such as the tuneful "Duck, Duck, Blues!" and the quiet closer "In Loving Memory." The latter tune was written for the passing of guitarist Attila Zoller and then to the loss of his teacher, guitarist Ted Dunbar, and finally, to his father, John W. Stone. The interplay on Inoue's "West Side Waltz" between Stone, Inoue, and especially Matt Wilson's creative percussion shows the trio at their best.

It's a guitar jungle out there in the world of new releases, and Rick Stone has given notice that he intends to let his fingers do the talking!