The Frank DiBussolo Group: Songs to Write Home About

Guitarist Frank DiBussolo has long been a highly regarded performer and educator, with a career that has included work with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dizzy Gillespie. DiBussolo is currently residing in Pennsylvania, where he continues his teaching and has now assembled this fine combination of musicians.

The selections here are tried and true standards performed in a relatively straight-ahead and traditional manner. Vocalist Singer Tiffany Grochowki opens the set with a lilting version of "I'm Beginning to See the Light." Di Bussolo has a solid and full traditional hollow body tone; his approach to single-note lines and chord selection is right in keeping with the choice of material.

Gregory Edwards appears as a special guest and contributes fine saxophone and clarinet work. Bassist Steven Liu and drummer Bryan Tuk provide solid support as well as taking advantage of ample solo opportunities. The group works well together and there is an unselfish interplay that makes for a pleasurable listening experience.

"Blue Skies" opens with a "Killer Joe" intro, and shifts between a medium swing feel to a Latin treatment of the bridge section. DiBussolo shows his harmonic capabilities with a nice treatment of the classic "It Could Happen To You."

Songs to Write Home About is a very nice presentation of familiar material that is given interesting twists and turns rhythmically. DiBussolo has put together a very solid musical group that truly accomplishes his goal of keeping this music alive.