Andy Pratt, who is based in Chicago, is a fluent and melodic jazz guitarist who also sings with a deep and friendly voice. On this recording, which took place over two days last June (recorded live in the studio with no overdubs), he is joined by bassist Joe Policastro who he has worked with for many years, and the in-demand drummer Phil Gratteau. Together they perform a wide-ranging set of music that includes five vintage songs from the Great American Songbook, two Burt Bacharach tunes, a Perez Prado mambo, and a movie theme.

That the guys know what they are doing well together is never in doubt, that Andy has a vocal style which belongs to the Golden Age is also clear, while the production is wonderfully separated, and every little nuance can be heard. The main issue here is quite a simple one, and that is for most of this album it is just plain boring. I am not sure if it is the guitar sound, or the languorous style they deploy for most of the album (a notable exception being the upbeat “From The Moment On”), but I just found this a drag to listen to. I am obviously not the target market as I enjoy my jazz to be far more adventurous than this, and with little in the way of spark or excitement I came away with the impression that the rhythm section would love to be far more in your face (as they can be when given the opportunity), but for the most part this is a case of sitting back and letting it all happen in front of them.

Not one to which I will quickly be returning.

Rating: 5/10

Links:
https://andyprattmusic.com/