Brazilian Dreamin'

Joe Beck, who is no longer with us (d. 2008), began his career as a highly sought-after studio guitarist in the early'70's. His clean jazz playing on electric guitar was his hallmark. His discography is well-worthy searching for. He was well-respected and played with artists such as John Abercrombie, Jimmy Bruno, Gill Evans, Don Sebesky, Bobby TImmons, and Paul Simon. Unfortunately, this CD lacks any liner notes, however, this recording was made in 2005, with Ira Coleman (bass) and Thierry Arpino (drums - worked with Jean-Luc Ponty). Relaxed samba/ bossa nova is the emphasis here, with selections from Antonio Carlos Jobim, primarily. My favorites tunes include "Aquarius" (not from the stage show!), "Giant Steps" (John Coltrane), and "What Would I Do Without You?" My only minor issue would be the slight overuse of studio "echo" in the recording - but perhaps that enhances the electric hollow-body guitar sound. In any case, you really can't go wrong here.

This a great piece of work by a guitarist who should have been more widely heard.