CD Review: Better Than Ever - Vince Lewis

by Mike Neely

As a reviewer it is a rare pleasure to listen to an obscure recording and realize you are listening to an excellent jazz musician. This is likely the reaction that a discerning listener will have to a trio recording by guitarist Vince Lewis. His Better Than Ever is mainstream jazz with a focus on standards. Track by track he demonstrates why he belongs on stage among the name jazz guitarists of our day.

Mr. Lewis’ approach is not a flashy, attention seeking style but an art built on the solid craftsmanship of a long dedication to detail. His casual shifting from single note soloing to chordal phrasing is notable for the rhythmic ease in which he builds extended solos. His mastery of a wide range of mainstream styles is also notable, as the recording moves from blues to swing to bosa nova to be-bop.

Lewis moves easily among the diverse challenges of these styles without the chopped phrasing and rhythmic stumbling of so many of his contemporaries. The fluency and flexibility of his solos would not be possible without a deep knowledge of the possibilities of the instrument. Both his rhythmic and harmonic sophistication partially account for why this long guitar trio recording remains engaging throughout.

The CD’s second track, “On Green Dolphin Street,” is an excellent introduction to the trio, as Lewis spins out a long solo statement punctuated by many fine solo fills by drummer Rick Justice. Bassist Jim Martin’s solo demonstrates that there are three notable soloists in the trio. This is a tightly, empathetic duo that accompanies Lewis with a low-key sensitivity to the nuances of the music. Better Than Ever is not a hit and miss recording with a few strong tracks, the playing is consistent and of high quality throughout; other highlights include an uptempo “It Might As Well Be Spring” and an imaginative version of the “Jitterbug Waltz.”

Vince Lewis learned his craft in the jazz venues of Charleston, West Virginia; many would think an unlikely place for a significant talent to emerge. But Lewis reports that Charleston has been for a long time a lively jazz world that often surprised touring musicians with its sophistication. All three musicians in the trio are from West Virginia and their association dates back to the late 1960’s which partially accounts for how well these three musicians play together. Better Than Ever was recorded in St. Albans, West Virginia; the mix and sound is professionally accomplished. In summary, this is a highly recommended recording by a guitarist who should be a widely recognized musician in the world of jazz.

Better Than Ever - Vince Lewis
Label: Jim Martin Productions - JMP Records (CD JMP205)
Release date: March 2006

Track Listing:
1. Too Much for Words
2. On Green Dolphin Street
3. Sue's Waltz
4. Only Trust Your Heart
5. The Preacher
6. My Romance
7. It Might As Well Be Spring
8. Namely You
9. Their's That Rain Again
10. Shiny Stockings
11. Jitterbug Waltz
12. I've Never Been in Love Before

(Editor's note: Vince Lewis is a columnist with Modern Guitars)

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