Denny Jiosa - Jazzberry Pie (1998)

Jiosa branches out into new realms of eclecticism on Jazzberry Pie, a move underlined by the title cut, a tribute to the subtle guitar work of the great Wes Montgomery. Other tracks veer into light funk ("Old Money") and lush balladry ("In Your Presence"), while on the touching "Nine Weeks," Jiosa crafts his supple guitar around a loop of an ultrasound recording documenting his unborn daughter's heartbeat. -- Jason Ankeny