Iowa born and New Jersey residing, guitarist Jim Yanda has a rich tone and lyrical approach to the strings in the line of Howard Roberts and Pat Martino. Here are two albums of his, one from a few years ago, and the other one, a two cd set covers material from 1 ½ score years. Both reveal a fresh approach to the trio format.
Both have him with Drew Gress/b and Phil Haynes/dr. The Regional Cookin’ album includes hip grooves like “Nus Theme” and mystical intricacies during “Tale Weaver.” The trio can range from a lyrical and smooth “Believing” to a freer formed “Boutable Dream” while Yanda hits some rich ideas on his solo on “’Round Midnight.” The band has a wholistic and cohesive feel here.
And they must have had if for awhile, as the 2 cd set from the 80s has the trio flexible enough for Haynes to drive with assertiveness on “Earth Day” or float like a cirrus cloud on “My Ship.” The team bops on “Earth Day” and Gress produces some melodic work on “Daylude.” There is a cohesiveness that allows the trio to get loose and languid on ‘Blulious” or sleek and shiny during the playful “Ghosthood.” If six strings are your fancy, you may have a new discovery here.