New York City musician Rick Stone's first album in five years was worth the wait in every respect. Stone has been around the music scene for many years, is a very accomplished guitarist and has taught music at several universities throughout New York. On his new release Fractals playing with Stone are two other outstanding musicians; Marco Panascia (bass) and Tom Pollard (drums).
The music on Fractals should appeal to anyone into jazz guitar as Stone is one of the best in the business. His crystal clear melodic lead work can be found all over this disc so virtually every track is a guitar highlight. Of course, given this is a trio and the other two musicians are world class, Stone gives them ample opportunity to strut their stuff and the music is all the better for it.
This is classic jazz in the truest sense of the word hitting on bebop, salsa grooves and a revamping of some old standards. The album begins with the Victor Young penned "Stella by Starlight" showcasing Stone's jazzy guitar fills and Panascia's stunning bass. The title track features Stone's smooth as silk guitar and Pollard's imaginative drumming. "Key Lime Pie" has an island feel and more outstanding bass work.
One of the album's best tracks is a reworking of the jazz standard "Darn That Dream" with Panascia's humming bass lines and Stone's elegant guitar arpeggios. The music reaches multiple crescendos thanks to Pollard's considerable drum skills. The swinging "Scoby" has elements of be-bop and just an all-around feel good groove with intermittent solos scattered throughout. The highlights do not stop there as the CD has zero filler.
Fractals is both elegant and sophisticated and should please even the most discriminating jazz fan. Recommended…
Track Listing:
1. Stella by Starlight (5:56)
2. Fractals (4:25)
3. Key Lime Pie (3:31)
4. Darn That Dream (7:37)
5. Scoby (6:32)
6. Nacho Mama's Blues (6:12)
7. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (6:20)
8. Places Left Behind (5:12)
9. Speed Bump (4:36)
10. Ballad for Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters (4:57)
11. The Phrygerator (5:23)
For information regarding where to send CD promos and advertising, please see our FAQ page.
If you have questions or comments, please Contact Us.
Please see our Policies Page for Site Usage, Privacy, and Copyright Policies.
New York City musician Rick Stone's first album in five years was worth the wait in every respect. Stone has been around the music scene for many years, is a very accomplished guitarist and has taught music at several universities throughout New York. On his new release Fractals playing with Stone are two other outstanding musicians; Marco Panascia (bass) and Tom Pollard (drums).
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
