Though John Pisano made some albums as a co-leader with Billy Bean in the late '50s, Willie Ruff in 1970, and Joe Pass in 1991, until this release the overly modest guitarist had never appeared as a leader on a record date. One could almost say that he still hasn't, for this album contains a series of duets with six other guitarists. Be that as it may, Pisano at last gets a chance to display his melodically tasty, often hard-swinging post-bop-oriented licks on electric and acoustic guitars, easily the equal or better of any of his guests. The 1991 tracks are intricate duets with his late sparring partner, Pass; everything else was assembled from sessions held throughout the summer and fall of 1994. There are several fine Pisano originals -- "Berry Drive," "D'Joe" (where Pisano's guitar burns especially brightly), "Blue Note Samba," and "Blues for E.S.M." -- which remind listeners of this unsung composer's large contribution to the success of the Tijuana Brass during his tenure there. Pisano's fellow guitarists here are Pass, Dori Caymmi, Lee Ritenour, Ron Affif, Ted Greene, and Phil Upchurch -- and on "Maos de Afeto" Pisano plays all the guitars himself, with Caymmi on wordless vocals.
© Richard S. Ginell /TiVo