Cool-toned guitarist
Joe Puma is best known for his playing in the 1950s. This 1997 CD reissue has a live
Puma trio date from 1984, which was his first occasion to lead his own recording session since 1961. The music is quite enjoyable, featuring
Puma with pianist
Hod O'Brien and bassist
Red Mitchell. The guitarist was still very much in prime form, playing in a style unchanged from decades earlier. His interplay with O'Brien and Mitchell uplifts the standards, which include "Remember," "For All We Know" and "Mood Indigo," and he introduces two appealing originals. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow