Here we have the debut album from guitarist Joe Wittman, who has been accompanied by bassist Daniel Duke and drummer Keith Balla, who together have played hundreds of gigs together since Wittman arrived in New York. Recorded in a live room, one thing I immediately noticed was the way Balla knocks the snare off at times to give the drum a very different sound to what one would normally expect and somehow gives the band a more organic feel. Although both Balla and Duke consistently strut their stuff with real complexity of notes in the arrangements, the focus is of course with Wittman as he provides the melodic lead throughout. It is rare for him to stand aside, but when he does there is always the feeling that he is quite impatient to get back out in front.
Of the eight songs, six of them are originals, while Wittman also has fun with Mel Tormé’s “Born to Be Blue” and Cliff Burnwell’s “Sweet Lorraine”. There is a very relaxed feel to his style of jazz, which also brings in elements of blues at times as they present a sound which is influenced by what was coming out in the late 50’s and early 60’s. As easy album to listen to while never quite falling into the easy listening trap, this is something to relax to.
Rating: 7/10
