George Van Eps & Howard Alden - Hand-Crafted Swing

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:26
Size: 140,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:11)  1. Stompin' At The Savoy
(4:15)  2. What's New
(4:12)  3. It's Wonderful
(2:33)  4. Lap Piano
(4:37)  5. I could Write A Book
(3:35)  6. Tenderly
(5:14)  7. Can't We Be Friends
(4:17)  8. Lil'l Darlin'
(6:26)  9. Just In Time
(6:10) 10. The Nearness Of You
(1:17) 11. Forty-Eight
(4:52) 12. I've Got A Crush On You
(4:57) 13. All The things You Are
(4:46) 14. Moonglow

This is the second of four CDs featuring George Van Eps (still at the top of his game at age 77), the pioneer of the seven-string electric guitar, with Howard Alden (just 32 at the time of these recordings), one of the most gifted guitarists of his generation, along with bassist Dave Stone and drummer Jake Hanna (who sticks to brushes when present). The interaction between the two players is similar to that of two old friends who have performed together countless times; lyricism and effortless swing are the key ingredients throughout the sessions. The focus is primarily upon standards of the 1930s and 1940s, including show tunes like "All the Things You Are," "I Could Write a Book," and "The Nearness of You," as well as jazz classics such as "What's New," "Stompin' at the Savoy," and "Lil' Darlin'." 

Van Eps also wrote two of the songs, "Lap Piano" and "Forty-Eight," both of which are miniatures featuring the veteran unaccompanied. The influence of Van Eps upon Alden can't be underestimated, as the younger guitarist was having a seven-string electric guitar built for him while these sessions were in progress, so by the time of their next meeting in the studio he could also take advantage of the musical possibilities of having the added bass string. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/hand-crafted-swing-mw0000083163.

Personnel: Howard Alden (guitar), George Van Eps (guitar), Dave Stone (bass), Jake Henna (drums).

Hand-Crafted Swing

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