Guitarists
George Van Eps (a veteran of the 1930's) and
Howard Alden (36 at the time of this recording) had made three prior CD's before cutting a fine quartet date with bassist
Michael Moore and drummer
Jake Hanna. The two guitarists can easily be told apart for
Van Eps (the inventor of the seven-string guitar) plays some of the most beautiful chords in the world while
Alden often contributes single-note solos. Highlights of the disc include
Alden's two renditions of
Van Eps songs ("The Chant" and "Kay's Fantasy"),
Van Eps' two features and such swing standards as "Blue Skies," "How High The Moon," "I Cover The Waterfront" and a duet rendition of "More Than You Know." All of the music is quite relaxed (with nothing over a slow-medium pace) but has plenty of inner fire. ~ Scott Yanow