Here’s an album that amply displays the strengths of the LA Jazz scene. Guitarist Larry Koonse is always seen at some local club, as well as the teammates here in pianist Josh Nelson (who’s one of the most in-demand accompanists for vocalists), the dependable Tom Warrington on bass and Bill Evans’ last drummer, the sublimely swinging Joe LaBarbera. Not in the band, but trumpeter Carl Saunders is also present here in that all of the songs are from his pen. The result is a melodic and lyrical gem of sophisticated swing.
Koonse alternates between nylon and electric guitars here, with a Wes Montgomery swing feel on the hip pieces “Flim Flam,” “Could Be The Blues” and “Hipnicity.” The team does some delicate and pretty things on Tin Pan Alley-influenced ditties such as the cozy “Do Be Do Be Do” and “Diddy Bop” with Koonse sounding gorgeous on nylon for the tender “A Ballad For You.” LaBarbera’s high hat leads to a slinky “Baby Blues” and creates a supporting pilaf for the Latin “Speaking Softly.” Most successful of all is the evocative duet between Koonse and Nelson for the tranquil “A Poor Man’s Mister Evan’s” with the partners engaging in a clever conversation on a MENSA level. And, the best part of this album is that you don’t have to fight the LA traffic to take in the tunes!