Art of the Invisible

Album Review

After racking up an illustrious and highly diversified resumé as a sideman, guitarist Adam Rogers stepped out as a leader with the long-awaited Art of the Invisible on the Criss Cross label. Joined by pianist Edward Simon, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Clarence Penn, Rogers displays staggering straight-ahead jazz chops and a sophisticated compositional voice. His program runs the gamut from standards and blues ("Long Ago and Far Away," "Bobo") to free ("The Aleph"). Other highlights include the deft arpeggiated lines of "The Invisible" and "Book of Sand," the blistering minor blues of "In Broad Daylight," the flowing lyricism of "Absalom," and the dark-hued balladry of "Cathedral" and "The Unvanquished." In addition to his clean, sturdy tone and stunning technical facility on electric (he brings Metheny to mind at times), Rogers plays sumptuously on both nylon- and steel-string acoustic instruments during the course of the record. Fans of modern jazz guitar, and highly refined jazz composition in general, should watch this player closely. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi