Guitarist Pascal Bokar makes an intriguing use of his guitar in that he uses it as a percussive instrument almost like a marimba a good percentage of the time. It is reminiscent of the popping percussive affects that Tal Farlow and Herb Ellis used back in the 50s, but it’s taken to a whole new level here. He’s also got a healthy dose of the Benson bug, mixing these two elements in an attractive collection of standards and originals. The strings percolate like a Folgers coffee pot while Art Maxell’s flute floats through the melodies of “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Lester Leaps In.” His own “Segou On The Djoliba” an d”Song For Dizzy” mix African-esque moods of percussive grooves supplied by Aaron Germain/b, Leon Joyce/dr and Cheikh Tayirou Mbaye-El Hadj Mbor Faye/sabar while Bokar alternates between jazz riffs and 3rd World environs.
But can he play the blues? Well, the take of “Bags Groove” with Maxwell on soprano is a toe tapping cooker, while on ballads like “Have You Met Miss Jones” the fingers tap with exquisite joy and sensitivity. A different approach, but worthwhile more than mere novelty.
Sugo Music Group