It's obvious from hearing the first track of Karl Schloz's first Nagel Heyer CD that an accomplished guitarist is in the making. Schloz not only took advantage of hearing the master of seven-string guitar, Bucky Pizzarelli, on numerous occasions at New York's late, lamented restaurant Zinno, but got to know him and studied with Pizzarelli at his New Jersey home. The payoff is a leader who plays a variety of styles very well, yet doesn't feel like he has to dominate every track, even though it is his date. Schloz is joined by two veterans on the trio tracks, bassist Steve LaSpina and pianist Tony Monte; the warm tenor saxophonist Harry Allen is added on four selections. "Wholly Cats," a lively blues associated with Benny Goodman, is the snappy opener; a foot-patting "Moonglow" is the immediate follow-up. Other classics treated with finesse by Schloz include a superb trio arrangement of Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," the easygoing ballad "Girl Talk" from Count Basie's play book, and a brief solo treatment of "Isn't It Romantic." Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden