Royce Campbell with Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, John Abercrombie, Dave Stryker and Bucky Pizzarelli
Moon Cycle Records JJ1975

Veteran guitarist Royce Campbell was asked to produce a project featuring duets with five well-known jazz guitarists. Recorded in 1994, this work was originally released in Japan. The selection of the players, along with the choice of music, results in an interesting, high quality assortment of styles and approaches to jazz guitar. Each player shares the stage with Campbell for two tracks.

Larry Coryell begins the recording with “Happy Blues,” an up-tempo blues penned by Campbell. The contrast between Coryell’s modern harmonies and note selection and Campbell’s traditional rich tone works very well. “Love for Sale” alternates between a funky and a swing groove. It is quite evident that both players are enjoying the interplay.

Pat Martino joins Campbell next for a romp through the Miles Davis modal tune classic, “Milestones.” Martino’s sound perfectly matches that of Campbell, their improvised lines flowing from player to player beautifully. The John Coltrane ballad, “Naima” is played as a bossa giving each player opportunity to show their more sensitive side.

John Abercrombie has a unique and modern sound that is easily recognized. He plays on two Campbell compositions titled, “Angular Blues” and “Day Into Night.” There is a sharp contrast between the pure jazz tone of Campbell and the sometimes overdriven and harsh approach of Abercrombie. The difference in style gives the listener something new to consider at this point of the album. Given their diversity, the two players support each other well.

Dave Stryker is a player who can handle quite a range of styles. He is capable of strong and exciting fusion and funk as well as traditional swing. This pairing begins with “Interplay,” penned by Bill Evans. Campbell and Stryker have similar overall sounds and harmonic concepts, playing off of each other perfectly. “Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise” is a samba that gives both players a vehicle to showcase their technical prowess.

Many guitarists consider Bucky Pizzarelli to be the current dean of jazz players. “Darn That Dream” opens with a pretty unaccompanied chord melody shared by both artists. The rhythm section joins in and the single note lines are extremely pretty and well crafted. The Rogers and Hart tune, “Dancing On The Ceiling” is a mid-tempo swing that closes out the session. Pizzarelli and Campbell play through a nice arrangement, their solos relaxed and flowing smoothly.

Royce Campbell shows his versatility by changing his phrasing and approach to compliment each colleague. There is certainly enough musical variety on these ten tracks to keep the listener interested from start to finish. This CD is intended to showcase some of the current players and their style of jazz guitar. It undoubtedly succeeds in its mission.

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