This concert was originally intended to be a video release showcasing
Stanley Jordan in acoustic, electric and solo settings. His tight rhythm section -- including
Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums,
Kenny Kirkland on piano and
Charnett Moffett on bass -- drives his complex and moving guitar playing through the standout acoustic tracks "Impressions" and "Cousin Mary," both by
John Coltrane. But concert highlights are
Jordan's two solo pieces, the bluesy "Willow Weep for Me" and classic show tune "Over the Rainbow," where he performs with an exhilarating freedom and virtuosity.
Jordan resists the temptation to slip into the then-ubiquitous smooth jazz sound, making this a timeless release. ~ Ryan Randall Goble