With Eyes Closed
Pacific Coast, 2024
9/10
The creative jazz guitarist Matt Panayides is joined by Steve LaSpina and Anthony Pinciotti for this first album of standards that displays timeless jazz sensibilities.
The frisky “Simone” begins the record with Panayides’ dreamy guitar amid Pinciotti’s lively drumming via the radiant tone, and “Straight Up And Down” follows with a warm energy thanks to LaSpina’s animated bass lines.
“Hindsight” lands in the middle and welcomes no lack of melody courtesy of the trio’s meticulous interaction, while “Ju Ju” welcomes some rock aspects to the flowing jazz sensibilities that allow for Panayides’ meticulous guitar to shine.
Close to the end, “Moon River” is an intimate moment where the classic song is interpreted with a heartfelt presence, and “Darn That Dream” exits with a reflective mood of minimal but effective guitar.
A more acoustic focused affair for Panayides, this is his first trio album but hopefully not his last, as these standards are illuminated in highly creative and memorable ways leave a significant impression.
Travels well with: David Bailis- Tree Of Life; Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library