No, the title is not to suggest that legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli was strumming back when Da Vinci was doing work in Florence. It just seems that way as he’s able to perform in every setting and style. Here, he does both a collection of jazz standards in duet form with Ed Laub as well as the three movements of the “Tedesco Concerto No. 1 in D opus 99.” The latter opens the album with wondrous reeds and strings framing Pizzarelli’s delicate and fragrant touch. The collection of duets is intimate, lyrical and subtly swinging, with highlights including a charmer in “Robbins Nest” and a delicate and tender medley of “ It’s Easy To Remember/This Was Nearly Mine.” With each strum and pick, Pizzarelli’s authority exudes like a diamond cutter. Class with a capital C.
Arbors Records