John Holmquist & Dan Estrem - Cole Porter: In the Still of the Night (In Arrangement for Two Guitars) (1986)

24 Oct, 04:04
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Artist: John Holmquist & Dan Estrem
Title Of Album: Cole Porter: In the Still of the Night: In Arrangement for Two Guitars
Year Of Release: 1986
Label: Pro Jazz Records
Genre: Swing, Guitar Jazz
Quality: FLAC (tracks+.cue)
Bitrate: Lossless
Total Time: 39:23
Total Size: 152 MB

Tracklist:

01. I Get a Kick Out of You (Porter) - 3:10
02. Night and Day (Porter) - 3:55
03. You've Got That Thing (Porter) - 6:01
04. Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love) (Porter) - 2:48
05. In the Still of the Night (Porter) - 3:26
06. Love for Sale (Porter) - 4:45
07. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye (Porter) - 3:59
08. Get Out of Town (Porter) - 4:49
09. Boogie Barcarolle (Porter) - 1:52
10. I've Got You Under My Skin (Porter) - 4:38

John Holmquist (left channel), Dan Estrem (right channel) - guitar

Here's a recording that, unheard, just about anyone might ignore. Two classical guitarists--one with a Norwegian surname, the other a dentist by day--take on Cole Porter. The cheesey cover art only adds to the sense that one couldn't be flogged into buying this.
And what a mistake that would be. This recording, which came and went with barely a ripple, offers lively and imaginative playing. Estrem and Holmquist are a tight yet supple duo, and the arrangements are first-rate. It helps to remember that Holmquist in his prime was a formidable player, sweeping the field to take first prize in the 1978 Toronto Competition.
The recorded sound is a tad overbright, but otherwise serviceable. So treat yourself to this underrated gem.
-- Tom Poore