Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Mark Capon: The Jazz Guitar Of Mark Capon

170

Mark Capon: The Jazz Guitar Of Mark Capon

By

Sign in to view read count
Mark Capon: The Jazz Guitar Of Mark Capon
This record really snuck up on me. One moment you’re casually listening to The Jazz Guitar Of Mark Capon and the next you’re wondering, “Who the hell is this cat?” A New York City based guitarist, Capon offers the kind of playing that is so effortless it makes guitarists struggling with their craft want to give up for good. Schooled by the great Tal Farlow, he shares his mentor’s skill for crisp tones and fleet-fingered swing. Capon’s melodic instincts are fine-tuned, as he seems to know exactly when strike a chord or sail off on a single line passage. And it’s his intuitive playing, combined with an expressive reverb sound, that make this journey through the American Songbook linger in one’s memory long after Capon has plucked the final note.

The highlights are many on this recording. There’s no denying the quick-fire precision of Capon’s playing on his jet-speed version of “Broadway” in which he is matched note for note by pianist Ray Alexander. His cleverly crafted variations on “Angel Eyes” are quite compelling, setting up his chords with a gentle single string phrases. His elongated tones transport “I’m Glad There Is You” to the heavens, and the same can be said of the sweet chords and lilting melodic lines of “Just Squeeze Me” and “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most.” But best of all is the version of “Cute,” where Capon’s melodic invention and expert pacing transform the Styne-Hefti standard into a minor masterpiece on par with the best work of Tal Farlow or Barney Kessel.

The majority of The Jazz Guitar Of Mark Capon is in a trio setting, and that seems appropriate. The fullness of Capon’s sound and his intelligently constructed solos would lead one to think that additional instruments would merely get in the way. But that’s hardly the case when Ray Alexander’s piano joins in for buoyant rhythmic support and some spectacular choruses on “Cherokee,” “Broadway” and “Have You Met Miss Jones?” Bassist Rick Eckberg is no slouch, either. His responsive playing on “Angel Eyes” mirrors the simmering dynamics of Capon’s choruses. He also plucks off some tricky phrases during his solo on the brisk version of “Have You Met Miss Jones?”

Suffice to say, this record is an absolute delight. That it was released in 1999 and still earning acclaim is a testament to Mark Capon’s obvious talents.

Track Listing

1. Cherokee 2. Broadway 3. I'm Glad There Is You 4. Angel Eyes 5. Just Squeeze Me 6. Cute 7. Li'l Darlin' 8. Love Letters 9. If You Could See Me Now 10. Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me 11. When I Fall In Love 12. Have You Met Miss Jones? 13. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most

Personnel

Mark Capon
guitar

Mark Capon: guitar; Rick Eckberg: bass; Dick Johnson: drums; Ray Alexander: piano.

Album information

Title: The Jazz Guitar Of Mark Capon | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: MC Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Mar 27 Wed

For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.