Brad Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 In light of the discussion on the Wes and Grant thread, I thought this thread might be overdue. I also believe Jim R mentioned that there are a lot of other guitarists that are worthy of mention so here goes. Two that come to mind for me are Joe Puma and Billy Bauer, although probably less overlooked than Joe Puma. I recently listened to Joe Puma on Webster Young's For Lady. I also have Eddie Bert's Encore and was suitably impressed at the time by his contributions. He's not flashy but I like his style. Quote
brownie Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Barry Galbraith and: Billy Bean Jimmy Gourley Chuck Wayne ... Quote
AllenLowe Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 (edited) Joe Puma, YES! Great, lyric guitarist, played a piece at Bill Evans's funeral that was surreal in its beauty - I remember it well more than 20 years later - Al Gaffa - worked with Dizzy, Al Haig - Tiny Moore (played with Bob Wills, and could really play bebop) - Junior Barnard (also played with Wills - first rock and roll guitarist, in my opinion, used distortion in 1945!) Joe Cinderella - great and adventurous stuff with Gil Melle - Edited January 6, 2005 by AllenLowe Quote
Larry Kart Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 There's a Chuck Wayne/Joe Puma LP, "Interactions" (Choice), where on "Body and Soul" Puma plays one of the best solos I've ever heard on that piece from any instrumentalist. Haven't heard enough Puma, though, to say whether he was consistently at that level; I recall other recordings where he seemed rather bland. Another guy who qualifies, though there's not that much available, is Skeeter Best. He had a unique sound -- kind of sophisticated low-key "skrontch," if that makes any sense -- and laid-back phrasing to match. He's great with that Lucky Thompson trio with Pettiford, almost entirely as an accompanist I think, but his contribution is felt, and can be heard some as a soloist on that Granz Modern Jazz Giants date with Dizzy, Stitt, and John Lewis. If there's more good Best available, I love to know about it. Quote
jazzbo Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Sal Savlador! This guy really had it if you ask me! Marty Grosz: so wonderful! Quote
Jim R Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Nice idea, Brad. Are there more overlooked guitarists than overlooked altoists? I really don't know where to begin. You could almost have a thread for each decade (and even then you might have a long discussion). Some great players already mentioned, and I have to say that it's good to see Billy Bean's name come up. He was very influential on a lot of players, in a sort of "underground" way. He never really found the spotlight, and of course is one of those who gave up playing as a career. The Riverside/OJC "The Trio" album is well worth checking out (and not just to hear Bean- that was a really a nice group, IMO). Barry Galbraith was such a great player. He graces many a session as a sideman, but it's too bad he didn't record more under his own leadership. I recently picked up Hank Jones' Capitol twofer "The Talented Touch / Porgy And Bess", and Galbraith shines on the former (Burrell was on the P&B session). Another great player who was underappreciated for years is Rene Thomas. Fortunately, a lot of his work (both as a leader and sideman) has become available in recent years, and he's beginning to get more attention. Sal Salvador did some very cool stuff (love that solo he took on the Newport film "Jazz On A Summer's Day"). I don't think Barney Kessel (especially his Contemporary recordings) gets enough praise and attention these days. Along with Burrell, a master player who was also a prolific recording artist over a very long period of time. Ed Bickert. Love his work with Paul Desmond. A great player who was highly influenced by Billy Bean is Louis Stewart. A very versatile player who worked and recorded in a great variety of contexts. For those who dig the predominantly single-line oriented style, and who prefer the 50's/60's approach, check out the vastly overlooked Joshua Breakstone, who has been recording since the early 80's. Marvelous musician with a sound that becomes very distinct once you listen for awhile. Quote
Joe Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Oscar Moore, perhaps. Certainly, his leader dates for Skylark and Tampa, happily now available ona single VSOP disc, seem to receive little attention. Harmonic sophistication and, on these recordings, real intensity. Quote
James Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Cal Collins doesn't get mentioned too much. His session "Interplay" with Herb Ellis is a really solid outing, and his other Concord disc "Ohio Style" isn't shabby either. Quote
Brad Posted January 6, 2005 Author Report Posted January 6, 2005 What I find amazing about this thread and I give Jim all the credit for planting the idea is the amount of names that I don't recognize whereas with the altoists there were none that I didn't. More wealth to uncover and listen to. Quote
jazzbo Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Oscar Moore, yes indeed. He was celebrated when he was with the Cole Trio and boy did he do some excellent work then (and later!) A great player indeed. Quote
Jim R Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Brad, consider that we haven't yet scratched the surface. I think a lot of the people here would dig Joshua Breakstone (if they don't already)... A selected discography: 1983- Wonderful! (Sonora, LP only) 1984- 4 / 4=1 (Sonora) 1987- Echoes (Contemporary) 1987- Evening Star (Contemporary) 1989- Self Portrait In Swing (Contemporary) 1990- 9 X 3 (Contemporary) 1991- Walk Don't Run (Evidence) 1993- Sittin' On The Thing With Ming (Capri) 1993- Remembering Grant Green (Paddle Wheel / Evidence) 1996- Let's Call This Monk! (Double Time) 1999- This Just In... (Double Time) 2000- The Music Of Bud Powell (Double Time) 2001- Tomorrow's Hours (Capri) The earlier recordings for Sonora and Contemporary (with artists like Barry Harris, Pepper Adams, Tommy Flanagan, Jimmy Knepper, and Kenny Barron) are OOP, but worth looking for. When you have a chance, there's plenty of info here: http://www.joshuabreakstone.com/ Quote
Brad Posted January 6, 2005 Author Report Posted January 6, 2005 Jim, I've heard of him but never heard him so I'm taking your list and will be checking it out. I already have a bead on the Monk cd. Quote
A Lark Ascending Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Phil Robson Phil Lee John Parricelli Mike Walker Colin Oxley Quote
Jim R Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Jim, I've heard of him but never heard him so I'm taking your list and will be checking it out. I already have a bead on the Monk cd. I hope you'll enjoy him, Brad. One of those Monk tracks was on my BFT, so I suppose you're getting as forgetful as I am. Quote
Sundog Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 I would have second, third, or whatever the recommendation for Barry Galbraith. A player that hasn't been mentioned yet, which I'm guilty of ignoring as well, is Joe Diorio. Everything I've ever heard by the man has made a positive impression on me. Recommendations would be welcome. Quote
Joe Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 There's a set of Joe Diorio / Ira Sullivan duets on the Ram label that's worth hunting down. THE BREEZE AND I. Sullivan sticks to reeds throughout. Very fine, relaxed but still inventive. How about early bopper Bill DeArango? Quote
garthsj Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Is French guitarist Christian Escoude still active?? His album with John Lewis, "Mirjana" is a memorable one ... Quote
couw Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 Is French guitarist Christian Escoude still active?? His album with John Lewis, "Mirjana" is a memorable one ... according to this site he will be giving several concerts Quote
Jim R Posted January 6, 2005 Report Posted January 6, 2005 How about early bopper Bill DeArango? I wonder if his Emarcy 10" ever got a digital remaster. I kind of gave up hoping a long time ago... Quote
Bill Fenohr Posted January 7, 2005 Report Posted January 7, 2005 I caught Joe Diorio several times when he would come through town with one of the Buster boys,Eddie as i remember. He never disappointed me. Joe was one of two guitar players i tried to never miss when they were in town, the other being Jerry Bird, who was with Gene Ludwig at the time. Quote
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