Howard Alden, Dave Cliff - Everything I Love (2016)

Tracklist

01. Never Will I Marry
02. Imagination
03. So Nice to Come Home To
04. Everything I Love
05. Round Midnight
06. End of a Love Affair
07. Zephyr so Blue
08. Topsy
09. Something (Solo)
10. Begin the Blues
11. How About You
12. I Only Have Eyes for You

Veteran English jazz guitarist Dave Cliff took advantage of Howard Alden's fall 1996 tour of the U.K. by inviting him to take part in two extended recording sessions, though this follow-up to their earlier Zephyr CD When the Lights Are Low remained unissued until 2005. Not that it is a weak release; in fact, it is a more wide-ranging release than its predecessor, delving into standards, swing compositions, bop, and even a bit of modern pop. Their intimate swinging rendition of Frank Loesser's "Never Will I Marry" is a solid opener, while their soft bossa nova treatment of "Everything I Love" provides a fresh look at this favorite standard. "'Round Midnight" is perennially in danger of overexposure, though the two guitarists easily master this chestnut with a slow, intimate arrangement that brings out its lyricism. Their softly swinging take of the swing gem "Topsy" and Barney Kessel's overlooked "Begin the Blues" also stand out. The two guitarists likely created the soft blues "Zephyr So Blue" on the spot during the making of the CD. Alden's choice for a solo feature is a nice surprise, an inventive take of George Harrison's "Something." Bassist Dave Green and drummer Allan Ganley provide solid support on several tracks.

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