High Standards
Full Blast, 2019
8/10
The guitar wizard Mike Pachelli is aligned with Tony Levin (bass) and Danny Gottliebl (drums) on this instrumental listen where standards are reworked through the trio’s very skilled vision.
“When You’re Smiling” gets the album off to soothing jazz sounds and blues spirited guitar work, and “There Will Never Be Another You” follows with a stylish and highly melodic swing jazz venture.
Elsewhere, “Sweet Georgia Brown” brings a shuffling pace and dance friendly sounds to the soulful tune, while “Yardbird Blues”, the sole original track, brings in Keb’ Mo’ on guitar for a dynamic and meticulous display of gorgeous interplay between the musicians.
Near the end, “Put On A Happy Face” puts a vibrant jazz feel on a classic, and “Cute” exits the listen with guitar acrobatics amid a playful setting of sophisticated and timeless jazz.
Amazingly, this is Pachelli’s 18th album, and it’s one you can listen to repeatedly with new finds, though the upbeat and positive atmosphere is always present, thankfully.
Travels well with: Joe Pass- Joe’s Blues; Pat Martino- Exit