Silent Night
Frequency, 2019
8/10
The guitar legend John Basile returns with a holiday themed album, where he uses MIDI guitar technology to create textures against ‘live’ jazz guitar improvisation.
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” starts the listen percussively strong as spirited guitar work from Basile guides the opener, and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” follows with dual guitars that flow eloquently into each other.
In the middle, “Silent Night” brings us a dreamy quality to the traditional, while “Toyland” has the listen getting into bop territory with lively, playful results.
Closer to the end, “Christmas Time Is Here” adds some Latin rhythm into the classic tune, and “Auld Lang Syne” exits the listen with some of the most timeless guitar work present, as Basile really displays his unparalleled talent.
Basile pulls off a varied experience here, where mood, rhythm and tempo are constantly changing in his innovative layering technique. An ideal listen for jazz fans in the holiday spirit, Silent Night yields a festive setting in a very original delivery.
Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Eight Track Christmas; Ray Blue- Work