Barry Greene – Giants – Couleurs JAZZ

Here is a guitarist who deliberately places himself within the great tradition of American jazz guitar.

If only because most of the tracks on this album were written by legendary guitarists, ranging from Grant Green to Pat Metheny, including Wes Montgomery, Russell Malone or Pat Martino. And one can’t help but wonder why Greene left out George Benson, as it’s clear he’s also among his influences.

An album that fits into the tradition, then, but does so without being slavish or overly reverent. And while Greeneincludes only one personal composition in his repertoire here, one can imagine this is a form of humility from a musician who has matured in the shadow of giants (hence the album’s title) without seeing himself as a dwarf perched on the shoulders of these six-string stars.

Furthermore, Greene has taken care to diversify the lineups performing alongside him here: on the one hand, a guitar/organ/drums trio that will remind any connoisseur of the glory days of this type of combo in the ’60s and ’70s while offering a perfectly contemporary take on it; on the other hand, a quintet featuring piano, vibraphone, double bass, and drums, which is more original since it has fewer historical models to draw upon.

On the other hand, Greene has chosen—on the quintet tracks—to be accompanied by musicians who are themselves virtual giants: Dave Kikoski on piano (who has performed, among others, with Roy Haynes’s ensembles) and Steve Nelson on vibraphone (who has frequently performed with Dave Holland’s groups). A stellar lineup, to be sure, and while the bassist, organist, and drummer may be less well-known, they are nonetheless excellent musicians, every bit as talented as their more famous colleagues.

Indeed, one of the hallmarks of American musicians is that, regardless of their “star status,” they never hesitate to perform as sidemen with less well-known instrumentalists when the music is good.

And here, it certainly is.

Whether in terms of interplay, arrangements, or solos… one would be hard-pressed to find any fault whatsoever with Barry Greene, who, in addition to his talents as a guitarist—which he showcases, among other things, on a standard played as a complete solo—has magnificently surrounded himself with the right people to offer music that is as thrilling as it is timeless.

A fine piece of work, masterfully crafted by jazz master-artisans whose expertise and inspiration are utterly compelling.