Skip Grasso is well-known in the Baltimore/Washington DC area where his guitar playing has been heard in a wide variety of settings, ranging from unaccompanied solos and jazz combos to big bands. Producer Jack Frisch contacted Grasso after seeing a live stream of his recording ‘Jagged Spaces’, and the ensuing conversation saw Frisch offer to not only produce an album, but also to bring in world class musicians to make that happen. The result is Grasso’s debut as a band leader and composer, with the album featuring eight originals, where he is joined by Anthony Pocetti on piano, organ and electric piano, bassist Harvie S, and drummer Billy Drummond.

This is a very laid-back affair, recorded over a two-day period in the middle of 2022, and it has that magic element one only gets in a live recording when jazz musicians are bouncing off each other. This may be his debut as a leader, but Grasso has resisted the temptation to put himself front and centre at all times, and one of the most delicate sections on the album is on “Canto Belo” where Skip takes a step out for a while, Anthony and Billy provide a gentle background, and Harvie provides us with some bars of the most wonderfully warm double bass playing one is ever likely to hear. The album is packed full of restraint, and in many ways the cover photograph is a great visual explanation of what is inside and while the child is full of energy, and anything could happen at any time, he is instead just stood there admiring the beauty of the sea and what is around. Grasso has a lovely delicate touch on guitar, providing a wonderful voice to the accompaniment with no-one over playing and instead adding just the right amount to the songs, fully understanding that at times less is more. Relaxing and enjoyable, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.skipgrasso.com/