Randy Johnston

Hit & Run

HCD 7098

Randy Johnston, guitar; Joe Locke, vibes; Bruce Barth, piano; Nat Reeves, bass; Grady Tate, drums.

Guitarist Randy Johnston sets off swinging nicely with "Down Time", one of his own pieces. Johnston is a superb improviser, a fact proven immediately with some lightly crafted solos. The added bite of vibes player Joe Locke offers shades of interesting combination; the guitar, soft, seductive and submissive; the vibes, slightly astringent and bright. Bruce Barth supports and colors where required and Nat Reeves on bass and Grady Tate on drums keeps everything moving smartly along. "Hit & Run" is another Johnston piece, which intelligently played and smoothly delivered. The continued presence of Johnston's soft flowing guitar sets the bench mark with such standards as "When I Fall In Love" and "I Could Write A Book", which flow effortlessly and with a degree of style. This is Randy Johnston's third album for High Note and I am sure there will be more to follow in the same vein as this comfortable, tuneful CD.

by Ferdinand Maylin

More New Sounds