And so to the last in the series of Youtube guitar marvels, Steve Colver casts an eye and ear over the following five jazz guitar stunners!
Who?
Leigh Jackson (playing Swing Gitan)
When?
April 2007
Why?
This is a relaxed rendition of a Gypsy Jazz classic. Jackson´s phrasing is smooth and fluid; he manages to stamp his own voice onto a standard which is worthy of praise in itself.
Best bit?
The use of hammer-ons and pull-offs at 1.10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR9dzO6mcB4
Who?
Dan Baraszu (I Concentrate on You)
When?
February 2008
Why?
Baraszu is an excellent jazz guitarist and very much underrated. In this track he provides a light rhythm part under the sax solo. Something that we all sometimes forget to practice - accompanying others! Baraszu's subtle style is smoother than whipped cream; he nails this standard beautifully (take a look at that sharp suit too). For an idea of his lead playing check out the track April Fools.
Best bit?
The use of passing notes linking the chords at 0.35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25UqOLg-RDs
Who?
Paul Bollenback (performing Bluesette with his trio)
When?
mid-‘90s
Why?
Bollenback manages to change effortlessly between rhythm and lead parts, unison octaves and single line melodies. This video shows a Jazz Trio in full swing; the Double Bass solo is definitely worth a look too.
Best bit? 2.28, Bollenback takes a simple repetitive pattern and moves it chromatically up and back down the neck.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Imi34UilE
Who?
Jimmy Rosenberg
When?
1993
Why?
This video shows Rosenberg playing a fast-paced Gypsy Jazz solo at the age of thirteen. Blistering is the best word! Rosenberg was relatively unknown at the time of this recording, and has since made a name for himself in the Gypsy Jazz arena. Rosenberg manages to more than hold his own in this clip, showing early signs of the kind of uber virtuosic skill he would later display with ease.
Best bit?
The ascending run at 0.11 - and the audience clapping afterwards!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYnCB8C49BQ
Who?
Erkan Ogur (playing in the Telvin Trio)
When?
February 2007
Why?
Ogur manages to combine intricate jazz-fusion lines with memorable hooks. Something that is not easy, and occasionally lost in jazz guitar solos. After all, a jazz-fusion solo is about as outside as one can get, and further away from tonal security than most guitarists would dare tread.
Best bit? Creating a memorable hook is all about repetition, which Ogur uses throughout this piece. The idea at 2.10 is particularly inspired
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM2hIckrSWk
More about streaming sharing
