Ted Greene: Solo Guitar

Album Review

Chances are that most jazz fans may not have heard of jazz guitarist Ted Greene, though it is not for his lack of abilities. One of a handful of players able to command attention during an album's worth of unaccompanied performances, Greene evidently has not pursued many recording opportunities following this 1977 debut, which was first issued by the PMP label. Like Joe Pass, Bucky Pizzarelli, Martin Taylor, and a few other guitar masters, Greene is adept enough to accompany himself by playing a melodic line and supporting rhythm, such that novices will think they are listening to two guitarists. Most of this session is devoted to standards like "Ol' Man River," "Just Friends," and a medley of "Summertime" and "It Ain't Necessarily So," all played with finesse and imagination. He avoids the hackneyed approach to songs of more recent vintage, such as "Send in the Clowns" and "Watch What Happens," by utilizing creative voicings. This session was finally reissued in 2004 by Art of Life, and it is a mystery as to why Ted Greene hasn't been heard from since the recording was originally made. He is long overdue to make a follow-up. Highly recommended.