Before & After
Jazz Guitar, 2020
8/10
The innovative and always impressive guitarist Lou Volpe returns with Before & After, where he’s accompanied by a trio of bassists, i.e. Stephen Banks, Pete Falbo and Motoki Mihara, while Buddy Williams handles drums and Gary Fritz, John Romagnoll and Richie Morales hold down percussion on the bluesy, groove filled effort.
Volpe starts the listen with the varied and modern, Pat Methany influenced “Up The Road”, which leaves an indelible mark, though it isn’t long before dance friendly textures settle in on “Three Rivers”.
Primarily originals, there are two standards included, as Volpe puts his own, contemporary, energetic twist on “Stella By Starlight”, while the sublime “Summertime” is reborn with intricate attention to detail.
Some of the best tracks reside near the end, including the groove heavy “Perseguidor De Suernos (Dream Chaser)”, as well as the title track which finishes the listen with Volpe’s inimitable guitar acrobatics guiding the timeless exit.
Fans of jazz guitar, charming bossa nova and warm blues won’t be disappointed here, as Volpe does what he does best, and it sounds better than ever.
Travels well with: Al Gold- Al Gold’s Paradise ; RJ.. And The Assignment- Hybrid Harmony