Be-Bop Guitars: The "Be-Bop" Guitars,,,and More!

The guitars on this album are from the faculty of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA backed by fellow faculty collegues. Headed by John Baboian, the six guitarists who comprise The Be-Bop Guitars, share a play list of jazz standards, a couple of standards and three originals.

The playing follows bop traditions established by the likes of Lennie Tristano disciple Billy Bauer, the fluid bop oriented style of Tal Farlow and others who played in the bop tradition viz., Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis and Pat Martino. There is no breakthrough here, nor was any apparently intended. What is presented is solid, imaginative playing within the traditions of this jazz genre using a variety of supporting instrumentation that make this album work. Victor Mendoza's vibes work hand in mallet with John Marasco's guitar on Sonny Rollins archetypal anthem from the bop movement, "Doxy". Almost seven minutes of pure Bop, this is an album highlight. There's a touch of Kenny Burrell blues "God Bless the Child" as John Baboian's solo is supported by a guitar choir of his compatriots. "Freddie the Freeloader" is enhanced by an almost Miles Davis like trumpet of Jerry Seeco. Another album topper is a haunting harmonized version of Wes Montgomery's solo on "Polka Dots and Moonbeams".

The CD isn't just instrumentals. The guitars back vocalist Maggi Scott tasteful vocalizing on Toots Thielemans "Bluesette", reminding us that in addition to being jazz's leading harmonica player, Thielemans is also one of its finer guitar players.

The play list, the arrangements and the performances reveal the considerable preparation taken to make this album. This was not a case of a bunch of guys who decided one day to throw together an album honoring bop guitarists. Musical Director Baboian and his friends have produced a fine album that is heartily endorsed.